Salowski Discusses Youth and Graffiti At CC Meeting

Deputy Inspector Salowski holds up photos of fences in Bayswater with a Star of David on them. Salowski said the graffiti unit of the NYPD is investigating the incidents.

Deputy Inspector Walter Salowski, the commanding officer of the 101 Precinct in Far Rockaway, gave his first report of the fall to the 101 Precinct Community Council at a meeting held on October 19.

Salowski addressed incidents that occurred in the precinct over the last few months.

“We had problems in Edgemere,” said Salowski, referring to some shootings, including one death, in the area. “These are young kids – 14, 15 and 16 years-old.”

While Salowski said “Edgemere is now under control,” he told community leaders and residents that he needs the help of the community to keep it that way.

“We need you to help out,” Salowski continued, saying something he has repeated constantly since he took command of the precinct three years ago. “You are our eyes and ears.”

Any resident who lives in the 101 Precinct can report crimes or tips to the police anonymously 24 hours a day by calling the precinct or using an anonymous fax line – 718 868- 3436 – tied directly to the deputy inspector’s office.

“Just give us the time, a description, what [someone is] doing and we’ll work on it,” assured Salowski.

Also of concern is graffiti of the Star of David with the letters ‘J and ‘P’ and the word ‘mush’ beside it that have shown up in several areas of Bayswater. Similar graffiti was found on a fence on Beach 4 Street. Salowski said it is not a biased incident.

“The writings are in other locations outside Far Rockaway,” he said, noting that the markings have shown up in other parts of the city and the NYPD’s graffiti unit is investigating the incidents.

There is a $500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone doing graffiti in the city.

The precinct is looking for volunteers to help clean the graffiti in the Far Rockaway area. Any residents or groups who are interested should call the community affairs office at the precinct.

Salowski also announced that the precinct would be changing their focus with a new two-month trial program involving truancy.

Truancy officers will be stationed at developments, train stations and any place else where kids skipping school might go.

In two updates, Salowski said the investigation for the driver who ran down 17 year-old Tamika Regan at the intersection of Beach 17 Street and Seagirt Boulevard in September was ongoing. He also asked that residents send prayers to Officer Thomas Mitchell, who was injured in a car accident as he and his partner were responding to a robbery in progress in the early morning hours of May 26. Mitchell, who is still paralyzed from the neck down, is undergoing rehab in New Jersey.

In addition, Salowski introduced some new officers at the precinct.

Captain Milt Marmara, who is the new executive officer, began his career at the 101.

“It’s [like] coming full circle,” said Marmara, who was under Salowski when he was a recruit.

Sgt. John McGrorty, formerly the precinct’s community policing officer was promoted over the summer and transferred out of the 101. Sgt. James Geissler has taken his place. Also introduced was a new satellite officer for Ocean Bay Development – Officer Farrell.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9 at 5:30 at the 101 Precinct House.